Kerby Rychel is yet another 2013 NHL Draft prospect with excellent athletic bloodlines. He is the son of Warren Rychel, who played 9 seasons in the NHL. While Warren was mainly known as a grinder and a pugilist, Rychel has become a truly skilled power forward with back to back 40 goal seasons for the Windsor Spitfires. After Kerby was drafted by the Barrie Colts in the OHL draft and then traded to the Mississauga St. Mike’s Majors; Spitfires’ GM and co-owner Warren Rychel made a series of trades to ensure that his son would be part of his hometown team. In Windsor, Kerby flourished, and his game has improved by leaps and bounds from his days in Mississauga.

Both Paul Maclean and Bryan Murray have been talking about how we need to get bigger skilled guys as they thrive in the playoffs. Kerby Rychel would be a prototypical Murray pick. But than again there also a lot of other big skilled guys in the draft as well so we will have to see i guess.

Why isn't Rychel higher on draft lists? Back to back 40 goal seasons in the OHL with 87 points this past year, which is comparable to Max Domi. Also has size, which Domi doesn't have.

Rychel was also 32 points ahead of the next best scorer on his team.

Don't look at stats. The effort on both sides of the puck is inexistent at times. Great shot, and good skater, but he needs to bring it. He can be completely invisible some games and fantastic in others.

Don't look at stats. The effort on both sides of the puck is inexistent at times. Great shot, and good skater, but he needs to bring it. He can be completely invisible some games and fantastic in others.

Stats are a pretty important indicator of talent and future success. If he's putting up 40+ goals in the OHL with occasional "non-existent" effort then I'm even more intrigued.

I see Rychel going between 16-23. One of the best goal scorers of his draft class, has a more well-rounded game than most in my opinion. One of the most underrated players as well. He was also on a terrible team this year. He doesn't have that much help.

I've been reading a lot about Rychel lately and I'm very intrigued about the package he brings.

Can more knowledgeable fans than I (Spits fans?) give me any NHL comparables, or project his ceiling? Is he useless without someone getting him the puck?

I've seen him play a ton, and there's no doubt he's going to be an NHL player. He's got a very good shot, he can get it off in traffic and he doesn't shy away from that. He throws the body around when he needs to and at times can be punishing, he's solid along the boards. He'll drop the mitts when he needs to, a willing and capable fighter although not really a heavyweight or enforcer by any means. People say he needs a playmaking center to produce, but most guys do and that isn't going to be a problem in the NHL. The reason is because his skating could be better, he's not a guy you want rushing the puck, he's not a stick handle wizard or anything. He's a chip it in and pound you kind of guy with a good shot. Reminds me a bit of another former Spitfire, Bryan Bickell but maybe not as big. I'd take him in the 1st round.

No way he makes the team unless a miracle happens. Part of Columbus's problems regarding player development was that they rushed their players Jarmo isn't going to rush prospects he is going to ensure they develop gradually ala Detroit.

3-5 years before he's a significant force in the league. If he manages to live up to his potential, the absolute best case scenario is a tougher Luc Robitaille. Average scenario... 2nd line sniper and PP specialist who plays with some grit and peaks out at approx. 30 goals.

Regardless, he needs to do a lot of work to get his skating up to an NHL level... amongst other things. Even the old Columbus, who wrecked their picks by rushing them, would still probably not have played him next year. Besides, they're supposed making more of an effort to let their young guys develop properly these days.

No way he makes the team unless a miracle happens. Part of Columbus's problems regarding player development was that they rushed their players Jarmo isn't going to rush prospects he is going to ensure they develop gradually ala Detroit.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ogie Goldthorpe

Even the old Columbus, who wrecked their picks by rushing them, would still probably not have played him next year. Besides, they're supposed making more of an effort to let their young guys develop properly these days.

Name 3 rushed Blue Jackets prospects. I can give you one and thats Gilbert Brule.